Feature Photo Credit: Chermiti Mohamed
There are two things I’m passionate about, environmental sustainability and personal sustainability. Whether the latter takes shape in the form of buying natural products to use on your body or taking care of your body in more holistic ways, I’m here to find new ways to prioritise the temple that our body represents.
Recently, I shared some insights on how the health of your gut microbiome plays a key role in your overall well-being, affecting everything from weight management to blood sugar levels, heart function, and brain health. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for a healthy body. If you missed it, check out my article “Is Your Gut Microbiome Healthy?” where I explored ways to improve gut health through dietary changes—such as increasing polyphenol- and fibre-rich foods, taking probiotics, and avoiding antibiotics and artificial sweeteners.
Interestingly, a healthy gut doesn’t just benefit your internal systems; it also leads to healthier, more vibrant skin and hair!
taking a holistic approach to your health
As we all know, from time to time, the skincare and haircare industries are swept away by trends and ingredients that everyone suddenly craves. Some of these may initially seem like surprising stars but have subsequently proven to be true powerhouses (take coconut oil, for instance). The reality is that hair and skincare is all about taking a holistic approach to your health that goes beyond the latest trends. This means focusing on factors such as diet, hydration, and stress management to enhance your hair and skin’s well-being. As someone who likes a bit of colour in her hair and a bit of makeup on her skin, I find it really important to achieve wellness by prioritising clean products and healthy lifestyle habits, just as you might choose organic produce or non-toxic cleaners for your home.
Rather than pursuing fleeting styles, I’m here to encourage a sustainable, long-term approach to hair and skincare. Given that the gut is where it all starts for us, we must start looking at our diets and switching to a healthier one that will help our overall well-being. My solution? Probiotics.
WHAT ARE PROBIOTICS?
Probiotics belong to a category of ingredients that may provoke scepticism or uneasiness. After all, the notion of applying live bacteria to your skin isn’t particularly appealing. (Fun fact: Your body is already host to millions of microscopic bacteria). Much of what people understand about probiotics stems from yoghurt advertisements, portraying them as the “friendly” bacteria that ensure your gut remains healthy, balanced, and free of toxins, while also supporting your immune system. But what are probiotics really, and more importantly, do they truly benefit your skin?
Microorganisms that help replenish beneficial bacteria in the digestive system are known as probiotics. They come in various forms, such as powders, pills, and can also be found in fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, miso, fermented soybeans, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and raw cheese.
Many strains of probiotics contribute positively to our health. The most common groups include lactobacillus (lactic acid) and bifidobacterium. Lactic acid is renowned for its anti-ageing and anti-acne properties, while bifidobacterium plays a vital role in enhancing the immune system.
HOW CAN PROBIOTICS BENEFIT YOUR SKIN?
When applied topically, probiotics have been found to provide numerous benefits. Since the 1930s, experts have been exploring the gut-brain-skin axis theory, which suggests that a person’s emotional state—such as anxiety, stress, or depression—can impact the functioning of the gastrointestinal system, leading to an accumulation of harmful bacteria, as mentioned in my gut health article. This accumulation can result in inflammation that triggers breakouts and flare-ups for individuals with skin conditions like rosacea, acne, or eczema. This highlights the significance of incorporating probiotics into your diet.
Probiotics play a crucial role in fostering a healthy gut, which reduces the reabsorption of toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can hinder the absorption of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients while disrupting the body’s capacity to eliminate necessary waste, thereby causing inflammation. Additionally, when used topically, probiotics have been shown to offer various advantages. Just as dietary probiotics affect your gut biome, probiotic skincare products aim to cultivate a healthy skin biome by influencing the types of bacteria present on your skin.
Related – Is Your Gut Microbiome Healthy?
Improve Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Probiotics have shown a stabilising effect on inflammatory issues like acne and rosacea. A recent study from the American Academy of Dermatology indicates that probiotics calm the skin and prevent the immune system from attacking beneficial microorganisms, leading to fewer flare-ups.
Fortify the Skin Barrier
By diminishing the risk of infections and strengthening the skin’s innate defenses, probiotics protect against harmful bacteria, pollution, and free radical damage. They also shield the skin from transient pathogens that can disrupt its normal function by generating antimicrobials and substances that lower the skin’s pH.
Anti-Ageing Benefits
Topical probiotics enhance moisture absorption and assist in delaying the signs of ageing. Lactic acid helps minimise the visibility of wrinkles, tightens pores, and has exfoliating qualities that improve dry and lacklustre skin. They also offer nourishing benefits that soothe skin damaged by the sun.
Probiotic skincare
Probiotic skincare entails using products that contain probiotics to help alleviate specific skin issues or enhance its appearance. Since the FDA does not regulate probiotic skincare (yet), there are currently no official recommendations on which probiotics are beneficial for the skin, and it can be difficult to determine if the probiotics in a product are alive. Additionally, probiotics may have adverse effects if they disrupt an individual’s skin microbiome. Individuals with conditions like atopic dermatitis (AD) or acne should consider consulting a dermatologist for advice on the best products for their skin.
That said, if you’re interested in improving your skin health with probiotics, you have two options: apply probiotic-based products directly to your skin or take supplements. Some dermatologists suggest consistently rotating high-quality, high-dose probiotics both topically and orally for optimal results.
how to get started
For those wanting to try probiotic skincare, you need to start slow and steady, to make sure your skin doesn’t react badly to the application product. I started using probiotic creams a couple of months ago, and can confidently give you some advice on how to get started.
- Begin with a leave-on product, such as a moisturiser, from a trusted brand – I use this Facial Moisturiser from Bree, cheap and effective. Plus, Bree even has a 10% discount code for first-time buyers. Probiotic cleansers or soaps may be less effective since they are only on the skin for a short duration. Seek out products that have been independently tested for safety and purity by a third-party organisation.
- Introduce one new product at a time. Adding multiple products at the same time can make it difficult to identify which one is beneficial or if any are causing side effects.
- Conduct a patch test by applying the new product to a small skin area first. If no reactions occur within 24 hours, you can then try it on your face.
- Apply the product to your face and watch for any signs of irritation. If there are none, continue using it for a few days to assess how it feels and if it produces any results. Remember that it may take time for skin care products to show improvements.
HOW CAN PROBIOTICS BENEFIT YOUR HAIR?
Your gut plays a significant role in your immune system and overall well-being. Numerous studies indicate that a healthy gut can help prevent various health issues, ranging from digestive problems to mood disorders and cognitive health. Additionally, there is a strong connection between our gut health and our hair, referred to as the gut-hair axis.
The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful, collectively known as the gut microbiome. When the equilibrium between these bacteria is disrupted, it can lead to several health concerns, including hair-related issues such as hair loss, dandruff, and scalp inflammation. So, the introduction of probiotics to our gut, can help with these issues. How?
Inflammation Control
A well-balanced gut microbiome helps regulate inflammation, which is crucial for maintaining the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle.
Enhanced Nutrient Absorption
Beneficial gut bacteria facilitate the absorption of essential nutrients necessary for robust hair health, including zinc, selenium, and iron.
Hormonal Balance
The microbiome can subtly influence hormone levels, some of which may affect hair growth and loss patterns.
what does the research say?
The potential connection between probiotics and healthier hair is an exciting area of research, with emerging studies suggesting promising benefits. Certain probiotic strains may enhance hair growth by reducing inflammation, balancing the gut microbiome, and improving nutrient absorption. Additionally, research hints that specific probiotics could support scalp health, potentially alleviating inflammation-related conditions like dandruff.
While the field is still evolving, these findings point to a positive relationship between probiotics and hair health, offering new possibilities for individuals seeking natural ways to promote stronger, healthier hair.
fermented food
While we may not have enough knowledge to justify investing in supplements, incorporating probiotic foods into your diet could be beneficial. Consider healthy hair as a possible bonus from these foods. Therefore, I do not recommend any particular probiotic supplements for hair growth, however, I encourage you to focus on maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through a balanced diet rich in fermented foods. This approach could enhance overall health and may also positively impact your hair.
You can get your dose of probiotics through your diet through fermented foods. Fermented foods are like living ecosystems that supply essential components for gut health. When you enjoy fermented foods, you’re taking in a range of beneficial compounds: probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. Consuming fermented foods provides you with live beneficial bacteria (probiotics), the nourishment these bacteria need to flourish (prebiotics), and the beneficial substances they create (postbiotics). This complete set of gut-friendly compounds makes fermented foods a top choice for promoting optimal gut health, sometimes even outshining the advantages of supplements. Think natural yoghurt, kefir, kombucha, kimchi and sauerkraut.
and finally.....
As the connection between internal and external health becomes more evident, probiotics are increasingly being explored for their potential to improve skin conditions, enhance hair growth, and maintain a youthful appearance.
In conclusion, probiotics offer numerous benefits beyond gut health, significantly contributing to the wellness of our hair and skin. By promoting a balanced microbiome, they help prevent skin issues like acne, eczema, and inflammation while supporting the skin’s natural barrier and hydration. For hair, probiotics improve scalp health, combat dandruff, and encourage hair growth, while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. Incorporating probiotics into daily routines can lead to stronger, healthier hair and skin, making them a valuable asset in both skincare and haircare regimens.